In mathematics, Canadian students perform poorly, and enrollment in Canadian postsecondary institutions is low, particularly for women. Clearly, there is a need to understand the personal and social factors that influence mathematics achievement and academic choices. A. Bandura's self-efficacy theory (1977, 1982) implies that academic choices are…

Reasons for poor performance in mathematics by students in the United States are discussed. According to the authors, too many students never experience arithmetic at a physical, concrete level. Students are drilled in arithmetic facts without any meaningful context and are given few opportunities to use numerical concepts in real-life…

An evaluation of the Astor Program for Gifted Children, introduced in 1973, in the New York City public schools is presented. This study is a follow-up of the "pioneer" pupils (those accepted during 1974-76). Sources of data included: a student questionnaire; student attitude scales; a parent questionnaire; a principal questionnaire; a…

In an effort to help determine the processes underlying the acquisition of various mathematical skills, this study examines some of the effects of computer based instruction on achievement in mathematics. The research reported in this document is based on the following questions: (1) what is the relationship between such attributes as sex,…

In 1985, reading and mathematics achievement tests were administered to nearly 15,000 fourth and eighth graders in Alaska. Educators comprising the Interpretive Panel developed a minimum and a desired level of performance. Scores below the minimum indicated a weakness; scores above it, a strength, and scores between, satisfactory achievement. The…

This collection is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The six titles deal with the following topics: (1) a comparison of mastery and nonmastery learning approaches to teaching reading comprehension to Title I students in second through sixth grade, (2) induced mental imagery and the comprehension…

The Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills (CTBS) battery is administered in New Mexico school districts, as part of a state mandated assessment program, to students in grades 3, 5, and 8 to measure achievement in basic skills (reading, language, and mathematics). Various types of test data are presented for use in modifying the basic instructional…

The mathematics objective-item bank contains 100 objectives each represented by five to eight multiple choice items. Grade levels covered are one through eight. The objectives deal with such topics as decimals, fractions, geometry, graphs and charts, integers, numeration, problem solving, and whole number operations. The items have been field…

Project BECOME, a mainstreaming program for Hispanic and Haitian students of limited English proficiency, provided instruction in ESL and native language studies, as well as bilingual instruction in social studies, mathematics, science, and typing. The program, which was implemented at Sarah J. Hale High School (located in downtown Brooklyn, New…

This paper outlines the rationale and basic design for the development of a state-based network for improving indicators of precollege science and mathematics education. The historical background for improving the indicators of the federal and state levels are described. Five elements of a conceptual framework for the network are discussed. These…

The Newark (New Jersey) School District's Twice-Retained Program was evaluated for 1985-86. This alternative program was designed for students in grades 1 through 8 who had a history of two or more grade retentions. It emphasized instruction in reading and mathematics and evaluated the pre- and post-program performance in those areas, as well as…

Some ninth-grade students from three Knoxville City high schools have continuously performed substantially less well than those from other city schools in the Tennessee State proficiency tests. A task force developed a plan to work with grade 8 in the middle schools and grade 9 in the high schools to prepare students to perform better on state…

The Texas Assessment of Basic Skills (TABS) helps to improve basic skills mastery by assessing student achievement and district performance levels in reading, writing and mathematics. TABS was designed to provide information for instructional planning in the state-funded compensatory education service. Minimum competency objectives are to be…

This report documents the 1981-82 evaluation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title I, Part B, Institutional Facilities Program carried out through the Division of Special Education of the New York City public schools. Using a diagnostic-prescriptive methodology, the program provided after-school and pull-out individualized remedial…

These descriptive and evaluative reports examine fifteen program components implemented under the Disadvantaged Pupil Program Fund by the Cleveland, Ohio public school system beginning in 1966. The following programs are discussed: (1) classroom support program; (2) communication skills improvement project; (3) computer assisted instruction in…